Conference Book of Abstracts - Taita Taveta University College

Key words: globalisation of research, knowledge-based bioeconomy, legitimate exchange ofmicro-biological material, BRCsDay 4Keynote Address: Biodiversity and Microbial Ecology of the Red SeaUlrich StinglKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) 4700, Saudi Arabia, uli.stingl@kaust.edu.saThe Red Sea is a harsh environment characterized by high temperatures, high salinity, high solarirradiation, and strong gradients from the North to the South. It also harbors at least 25 extremeenvironments at its seafloor, the deep-sea brine pools. These mostly anoxic brine pools arecompletely saturated with salt, and are among the most hostile habitats on earth. So far, studieson the microbiology of both, the water-column of the Red Sea and the deep-sea brine pools arescarce, mostly because of logistic and political reasons. King Abdullah University of Science andTechnology (KAUST) is a new, international world-class research university in the Kingdom ofSaudi Arabian that realizes the value of the Red Sea for the Middle East. The Marine MicrobialMicrobiology Group is part of the Red Sea Research Center at KAUST. In this presentation, Iwill summarize our work on the microbial communities of the Red Sea water-column, and thebrine pools, with a focus on potential biotechnological applications of novel microorganisms forcancer treatment.Environmental Impact Assessment Process for Biodiversity Conservation Projects inKenyaJacob K. Kibwage,South Eastern University College, School of Environment and Natural Resources Management , P. O. Box 170-90200, Kitui, Kenya. Cell No. +254 722 479061, Email: jkkibwage@yahoo.comEnvironmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as examination, analysis and assessment of plannedactivities with a view to ensuring environmentally sound and sustainable development. EIAProcess for Biodiversity Conservation Projects is a legal requirement under the EnvironmentalManagement and Coordination Act (EMCA) of 1999 Part V Section (50) and the Conservationof Biological Diversity and Resources, Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit SharingRegulations, 2006. An Environmental Impact Assessment Licence must be obtained from theNational Environment and Management Authority (NEMA) for any activity related to or mighthave an adverse impact on any ecosystem; (b) lead to the introduction of any exotic species; and(c) lead to unsustainable use of natural resources. According to the Second Schedule of EMCA1999, some of the key environmental conservation projects that must under the EIA processinclude: (a) creation of national parks, game reserves and buffer zones; (b) establishment ofwilderness areas; (c) formulation or modification of forest management policies; (d) formulationor modification of water catchment management policies; (e) policies for the management ofecosystems, especially by use of fire; (f) commercial exploitation of natural fauna and flora; (g)introduction of alien species of fauna and flora into ecosystems. The EIA process will includePreliminary activities (e.g. identification of key actors and decision-makers); screening, Terms of